Ahmedabad, Mar 31 (ANI/Business Wire India): Synchron Research Services Pvt Ltd, the Ahmedabad-based leading Clinical Research Organisation(CRO) today announced the acquisition of the stand-alone bio-analytical and bio-marker facility of PAREXEL in France.

The lab is located in Poitiers, south of Paris. This is one of the significant acquisitions in CRO industry in India.

At the same time PAREXEL increased its stake in Synchron from its present 19.5 per cent to 31 per cent.

This lab established in 1977 in Poitiers, was acquired by PAREXEL in 1999. Now, it becomes a part of Synchron's international network of laboratories. The lab will be known in France as SYNEXEL Research International SAS.

Parexel sold the Poitiers business to Synchron's SYNEXEL Research International for approximately .7 million dollars.

"Over the past several years, PAREXEL has developed a strong global clinical pharmacology capability, through both organic growth and acquisitions. As a result, we are an industry leader in expertise-based Phase I studies," said Josef H. von Rickenbach, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, PAREXEL International.

"PAREXEL's increased investment in Synchron's clinical pharmacology business demonstrates our commitment to helping clients select the most promising compounds earlier by providing complex, multi-site Phase I and Proof of Concept studies. We have a long-term commitment to conducting high quality clinical studies in India, and continue to strengthen our presence, both in India and globally, to help clients bring important new biopharmaceutical products to market," added Josef.

The laboratory is a GLP Class A certified by Afssaps, France, specialized in the development of highly sensitive methods for the determination of new chemical entities and marketed compounds, including generics.

Bioassays are then used in routine during pre-clinical and/or Phase I studies and up through Phase IV studies.

With this acquisition Synchron will have more than 350 ready to run methods in various animal and human biological matrices. SYNEXEL has developed over 100 proprietary Bioanalytical methods for New Chemical Entities (NCEs) for world's top pharmaceutical companies to assist in their drugs discovery programme for preclinical / Phase I and IIa studies.

This lab also operates on Watson LIMS which is 21 CFR Part 11 compliant. To provide the same quality and continuity Synchron has retained all the staff of Poitiers including the management personnel. They are entrusted with the responsibility to run day-to-day activities.

The bio-marker facility provides Singleplexed and Multiplexed Immunoassays platforms to support early clinical, pre-clinical and clinical studies.

This world-class facility is managed by highly skilled industry specialists, who can also provide consultancy in the area of bio-markers for discovery programs.

"Synchron's growth vision is to provide cutting edge technology coupled with industry needs. Our commitment towards our client's prosperity and growth drives us to bring world-class capabilities to their doorsteps. Our global operations are aimed at providing our clients a variety of options and a complete package of services and to become their drug discovery and development partners," said Dr. Shivprakash, Founder and Managing Director, Synchron.

This also brings cost effectiveness to Synchron's global clientele with the option of choosing locations based on the needs.

Synchron has been successfully audited by UK MHRA recently. Synchron is the first CRO to undergo MHRA voluntary inspection in India for BA/BE capabilities.

The positive outcome of this audit reinforces the commitment to quality by all the employees of Synchron. The company also participates in World Wide Quality Assurance program driven by PAREXEL to provide consistent global standards to our clients. Synchron clinical research business has broad based loyal client franchise with repeat business.

And with 90 per cent Europe and US clients who will only be further assured with this new facility offering international level clinical research capabilities.

Synchron also hopes to look for more opportunities in Europe in future for catering new areas of contract research with Indian synergy. Apart from Europe, Synchron has already started operations in other Asian countries, first being it's venture in Thailand.

The Bangkok facility offers BA/BE and clinical research capabilities and it's the first CRO in Thailand.

" We are looking for more operations in other countries soon to increase our foot-print in Asia," said Dr. Shivprakash.